Precision Farming Projects

PRECISION FARMING TECHNOLOGIES

TOMATO

i. Quality Seedling Production

Protected nursery

The nursery area is covered with 50 per cent shade net

The raised beds of 1m width and convenient length are formed

The seedlings are raised in portrays

The sterilized cocopeat is used for raising seedlings @ 300 kg/ha is mixed with 5

kg of neem cake along with Azospirillum and Phosphobacteria each @ 1 kg.

Sowing

About 100 g of hybrid tomato seeds is required to produce seedlings for 1 ha

The seeds are mixed with Azospirillum @ 200 g/kg and are shade dried for half an

hour.

After 6 days, the germinated protrays are individually placed on the raised beds

inside the shade net.

Watering is done by rose can everyday (twice/day) upto seed germination.

Panchakavya spray @ 3% (30 ml/l) is done at15th day of sowing.

19:19:19 + MN @ 0.5% (5g/l) solution is drenched at 18 days after sowing.

The tomato seedlings of 25 - 30 days old are ready for transplanting.

ii. Planting

The main field is ploughed 4 times. Chisel and disc plough each one time and

cultivator twice.

FYM @ 25t /ha is applied before the last ploughing.

75% of the total recommended dose of super phosphate i.e. 1171.88 kg/ha is

applied as basal dose.

Azospirillum and Phosphobacteria each @ 2 kg / ha along with FYM 50 kg and

Neem cake @ 100 kg is applied before last ploughing.

Raised beds of 120 cm width (4 feet) are formed at an interval of 30 cm (1 feet)

and the laterals are placed at the centre of each bed.

Before planting, the beds are watered using drip system for 8 to 12 hours.

Pre-emergence weedicide spray of pendimethalin (Stomp) is applied @ 3 lit/ ha

(1 kg a.i./ha) just before transplanting.

Planting is done at a spacing of 90 x 60 x 60 cm in the paired row system

One row of African marigold seedlings of 40 days old are planted simultaneously

for every 16 row of tomato seedlings.

Gap filling is done at 7th day after transplanting.

iii. Fertigation Techniques

For tomato F1 hybrid, a dose of 200: 250: 250 kg of NPK / ha is applied

throughout the cropping period through split application. The split dose is applied

once in every three days through fertigation.

iv. Intercultivation

Foliar spraying with Pseudomonas fluorescens 0.5 % at 15 days interval for 6

times.

Staking is done by using either bamboo or eucalyptus poles on 30th day after

planting.

Weeding is done on 30 and 60th days after planting depending upon the weed

growth.

Triacontanol 625 ml is mixed with 500 l of water (1.25 ppm) and sprayed on 15th

and 30th days after planting.

Planofix @ 125 ml in 500 l of water (0.25 ppm) is sprayed at 45, 60 and 90th

DAP.

Micronutrient mixture @1g / lit (0.1%) is sprayed for 2 times at 40th and 80th days

after planting.

19:19:19 + MN @ 1% (10 g / lit) is sprayed at 60 days after planting.

Staking for quality produce

v. Harvesting and Post harvest management

Harvesting of tomato fruits is carried out either at breaker stage or at half red

depending upon the market preference. First harvest starts at 60 days after

planting.

Grading is done based on the size of the fruits. Three grades viz., uniform big

sized fruits, small size and damaged and misshapen fruits and are packed

separately in plastic crates.

Graded fruits

BRINJAL


Protected nursery




The sterilized cocopeat is used for raising seedlings @ 300 kg /ha is mixed with

5 kg of neem cake along with Azospirillum and Phosphobacteria each @ 1 kg.

Sowing

About 200 g of brinjal seeds is required to produce seedlings for 1 ha.

The seeds are mixed with Azospirillum @ 200 g/kg and are shade dried for half an

hour.

After 6 days, the germinated protrays are individually placed on the raised beds

inside the shade net.

Watering is done by rose can everyday (twice/day) upto seed germination.

Panchakavya spray @ 3% (30 ml/l) is done at15th day of sowing.

19:19:19 + MN @ 0.5% (5g/l) solution is drenched at 18 days after sowing.

The brinjal seedlings of 35 days old are ready for transplanting.

ii. Planting

The main field is ploughed 4 times. Chisel and disc plough each one time and

cultivator twice.

FYM @ 25 t /ha is applied before the last ploughing.

75 % of the total recommended dose of super phosphate i.e. 703.13 kg/ha is



Neem cake @100 kg is applied before last ploughing.

Pseudomonas fluorescens or Trichoderma viridi @ 2.5 kg/ha along with 100 kg

of FYM is applied before last ploughing.




Pre-emergence weedicide spray of pendimethalin (Stomp) is applied @ 3 lit/ ha

(1 kg a.i./ha) just before transplanting.

35 days old seedlings are dipped in 0.5% solution of Pseudomonas fluorescens for

30 minutes and are transplanted at a spacing of 90 x 60 x 75 cm in the paired row

system in the main field.

One row of African marigold seedlings of 40 days old are planted simultaneously

for every 16 row of brinjal seedlings.


iii. Fertigation techniques

For brinjal F1 hybrid, a dose of 200: 150: 100 kg of NPK/ ha is applied throughout

the cropping period through split application. The split dose is applied once in

every three days through fertigation.


Foliar spraying with Pseudomonas fluorescens 0.5 % at 15 days interval for 6

times.

Triacontanol 625 ml is mixed with 500 l of water (1.25 ppm), is sprayed on 15th


Planofix @ 125 ml in 500 l of water (0.25ppm) is sprayed at 45, 60 and 90th DAP.

Micronutrient mixture @ 1 g/lit (0.1%) is sprayed for 2 times at 40th and 80th days

after planting.

19:19:19: + MN @ 1 % (10 g/lit) is sprayed at 60 days after planting.

v. Harvesting and Post Harvest management

Harvesting of brinjal fruits is carried out at fully matured stage.

The fruits are graded based on the size. The damaged and pest affected fruits are

sorted out and then packed in the crates for market.

Minimal flower drop and no fruit drop

Ready for packing

CHILLI


Protected nursery




The sterilized cocopeat is used for raising seedlings @ 360 kg/ha is mixed with


Sowing

About 200 g of hybrid chilli seeds is required to produce seedlings for 1 ha.

The seeds are treated with Pseudomonas fluorescens @10 g / kg of seed which is

a biofungicide.

The seeds are mixed with Azospirillum @ 200 g / kg and are shade dried for half

an hour. About 50 g of Azospirillum is required for the seed treatment of 200g

chilli seeds.

After 6 days, the germinated protrays are kept in the raised beds inside the shade

net.

Watering is done by rose can everyday (twice / day upto seed germination).

Panchakavya spray @ 3 % is done at 15th day of sowing (30 ml/ lit)

19:19:19 + MN @ 0.5 % solution are drenched using rose can or micro nutrient

spray of 0.5 % is done at 18 days after sowing.

The chilli seedlings of 35 days old are ready for transplanting

35 days old seedlings

ii. Planting

The main field is ploughed 4 times. Chisel and disc each at one time and

cultivator twice.

FYM @ 25 t/ha is applied before the last ploughing.

75% of the total recommended dose of super phosphate i.e. 375 kg/ha is applied

as basal dose.



Pseudomonas fluorescens @ 2.5 kg/ha along with 50 kg of FYM and applied

before last ploughing.

Raised beds of 120 cm width are formed at an interval of 30 cm and the laterals

are placed at the centre of the bed.


Pre-emergence weedicide spray of Fluchloralin @ 1lit a.i. / ha or pendimethalin 1

lit a.i. / ha is done before transplanting.

Planting is done at the spacing of 90 x 60 x 45 cm in the paired row system, using

marked ropes at 45 cm spacing.

35 days old seedlings are dipped in 0.5 % solution of Pseudomonas fluorescens

for 30 minutes and are transplanted in the main field.

One row of African marigold of 40 days old are planted simultaneously along

with chilli seedlings in every 16 rows.



For chilli F1 hybrid, 120: 80: 80 kg of NPK/ ha is applied through out the

cropping period. The splits are approximately once in every three days through

fertigation.

20 days after planting


Foliar spraying with Pseudomonas fluorescens 0.5 % at 15 days interval is given

as biofungicide.

Weeding is done on 30th and 60th days after planting depending upon the weed

growth.

Micro nutrient mixture @ 500 g / ha (0.1%) is sprayed at 40th, 80th and 120th days

after planting.

Water soluble fertilizers 19: 19: 19: + MN and KN03 @ 1% are sprayed at 60 and

100 days after planting respectively.



Planofix @ 125 ml in 500 l of water (0.25ppm) is sprayed at 45, 60 and 90th days

after planting.


Harvesting of fully mature green chilli fruits is carried out at four days interval

from 70 days after planting.

Grading is done based on the size of the fruits and is packed in the crates. The

small sized, curved and misshapen fruits are separated.

90% plus first grade on sorting

PAPRIKA

i. Quality seedling production

Protected nursery






Sowing

About 200 g of paprika seeds is required to produce seedlings for 1 ha.

The seeds are treated with Pseudomonas fluorescens 10 g / kg or Tricoderma

viridii @ 4 g / kg of seed which is a bio-fungicide.


an hour. About 50 g is required for the seed treatment.

After 6 days, germinated protrays are kept in the raised beds inside the shade net.

Watering is done by rose can everyday (twice / day upto seed germination).

Panchakavya spray @ 3 % is done at 15th day of sowing (30 ml / lit)

19:19:19 + MN @ 0.5 % solution is drenched using rose can or micro nutrient

spray of 0.5 % is done at 18 days after sowing.

The paprika seedlings, of 35 days old are ready for transplanting and are

transported to the main field.

ii. Planting

The main field is ploughed 4 times. Chisel and disc each at one time and

cultivator twice.


75 % of the total recommended dose of super phosphate i.e. 703.12 kg / ha is




Pseudomonas f'uorescens @ 2.5 kg / ha along with 100 kg of FYM and applied





Pre-emergence weedicide spray of Fluchloralin @ 1lit a.i. / ha or pendimethalin

1 lit a.i. / ha through high volume sprayer is done just before transplanting.

35days old seedlings are dipped in 0.5 % solution of Pseudomonas fluorescens for

30 minutes and are transplanted at the spacing of 90 x 60 x 45 cm in the paired

row system in the main field.

One row of African marigold of 35 days old are planted simultaneously along

with paprika seedlings in every 16 rows.



For paprika F1 hybrid, 250: 150: 150 kg of NPK/ ha is applied throughout the

cropping period. The split doses are given approximately once in every three days

through fertigation.


Foliar spraying with Pseudomonas fluorescens 0.5 % at 15 days interval is given

as biofungicide.


growth

Water soluble fertilizers 19:19:19 + MN and KNO3 @ 1% are sprayed at 60th and

100th days after planting respectively.



Planofix @ 125 ml in 500 l of water (0.25ppm) is sprayed at 45, 60 and 90th days

after planting.


Harvesting of fully mature green paprika fruits is carried out at four days interval

from 70 days after planting.

Grading is done based on the size of the fruits and is packed in the crates. The


Paprika ready for harvest

First grade fruits

CAPSICUM


Protected nursery






Sowing

o About 200g of capsicum seeds is required to produce seedlings for 1 ha.

o The seeds are treated with Pseudomonas fluorescens 10 g / kg or

Tricoderma viridi @ 4 g / kg of seed which is a bio-fungicide.

o The seeds are mixed with Azospirillum @ 100 g / kg and are shade dried for half

an hour. About 50g is required for the seed treatment.

o After 6 days, the germinated protrays are kept in the raised beds inside the shade

net.

o Watering is done by rose can everyday (twice / day upto seed germination).

o Panchakavya spray @ 3 % is done at 15th day of sowing (30 ml/lit)

o 19:19:19 + MN @ 0.5 % solution is drenched using rose can or micro nutrient

spray of % is done at 18 days after sowing.

o The capsicum seedlings, of 35 days old are ready for transplanting and are

transported to the main field.

ii. Planting

o The main field is ploughed 4 times. Chisel and disc each at one time and

cultivator twice.

o FYM @ 25 t /ha is applied before the last ploughing.

o 75% of the total recommended dose of super phosphate i.e. 703.12 kg/ ha is


o Azospirillum and Phosphobacteria each @ 5 kg/ha along with FYM 50 kg and


o Pseudomonas fluorescens @ 2.5 kg /ha along with 100 kg of FYM and applied


o Raised beds of 120 cm width are formed at an interval of 30 cm and the laterals


o Before planting, the beds are watered using drip system for 8 to 12 hours.

o Pre-emergence weedicide spray of Fluchloralin @ 1 lit a.i. / ha or pendimethalin

1 lit a.i. / ha through high volume sprayer is done just before transplanting.

o 35 days old seedlings are dipped in 0.5 % solution of Pseudomonas fluorescens

for 30 minutes and are transplanted at the spacing of 90 x 60 x 60 cm in the paired

row system in the main field.

o One row of African marigold of 40 days old are planted simultaneously along

with capsicum seedlings in every 16 rows.

o Gap filling is done at 7th day after transplanting.


o For capsicum F1 hybrid, 250: 150: 150 kg of NPK/ ha is applied throughout the

cropping period. The split doses are given approximately once in every three days

through fertigation.


o Foliar spraying with Pseudomonas fluorescens 0.5 % at 15 days interval is given

as biofungicide.

o Weeding is done on 30th and 60th days after planting depending upon the weed

growth.

o Water soluble fertilizers 19:19:19 + MN and KNO3 @ 1% is sprayed at 60th and

100th days after planting respectively.

o Triacontanol 625 ml is mixed with 500 l of water (1.25 ppm), is sprayed on 15th


o Planofix @ 125 ml in 500 l of water (0.25ppm) is sprayed at 45, 60 and 90th days

after planting.


o Harvesting of fully mature green capsicum fruits is carried out at four days

interval from 70 days after planting.

o Grading is done based on the size of the fruits and is packed in the crates. The


BHENDI

i. Field preparation

The main field is ploughed three times with Chisel, disc and cultivator plough

each one time.





Well decomposed FYM @ 25 t /ha is applied before the last ploughing.



The beds are leveled and the laterals are placed at the centre of the bed.

ii. Seed treatment

About 6 kg of bhendi F1 hybrid seeds are required to cover 1 ha area.

The seeds are mixed with 1 kg of Azospirillum culture and are shade dried for half

an hour.

iii. Sowing

Sowing is carried out at the rate of one seed / hill. Ropes are marked at the

interval of 45 cm and planting is done at three rows within the bed in the spacing

of 60 x 45 x 45 cm in the paired row system.

The beds are watered using drip system for 8 to 12 hours till field capacity.

Pre-emergence weedicide spray of 1kg a.i. of Fluchloralin or 0.75 kg a.i. of

metalachlor / ha on third day of sowing.

Gap filling is done at 7th day of sowing.

iv. Fertigation Techniques

For bhendi F1 hybrid, a dose of 200: 100: 100 kg of NPK/ha is applied throughout

the cropping period through split application. The split dose is applied once in

every three days through fertigation. (75 % of the phosphorous is given as a basal

dose at the time of last ploughing).

v. Intercultivation

Drip irrigation is given @ 1 hour per day depending upon the soil type and

climate

Foliar spray of Pseudomonas fluorescens is applied @ 0.5 % at 15 days interval

for 6 times.


growth

Micronutrient mixture @ 1g/lit (0.1%) is sprayed for 2 times at 40th and 60th days

after planting.

19:19:19: + MN @ 1% (10 g/lit) is sprayed at 60 days after planting.

Healthy crop at bearing stage

vi. Harvesting and Post harvest management

Harvesting of bhendi fruits is carried out from 45 days after sowing. Fully

matured tender fruits are harvested.

Grading is done by separating the pest affected fruits and misshapen fruits.

The fruits are packed in the crates and transported to the market.

BIG ONION / BELLARY ONION


Raised beds

The seedlings of big / bellary onion are produced in raised nursery beds of one-

foot height and convenient length.

The beds are inoculated with Vesicular Arbuscular Mycorrhizae @1 kg / sq.

metre

Seed treatment and seed rate

8-12 kg of onion seeds are required to broadcast for one hectare of land. The

seeds are treated with Pseudomonas fluorescens @ 10 g / kg of seeds.

The seeds are mixed with Azospirillum @ 100 g / kg and shade dried for half an

hour.

Sowing

Seeds are mixed with fine sand and are uniformly broadcasted on the beds

After sowing, they are covered by thin layer of sand and then by paddy straw. The

nursery is watered through rose can twice a day regularly.

On tenth day copper oxy chloride @ 2 g/litre of water is sprayed to protect the

seedlings from fungal infection.

The seedlings are ready for transplanting in 45 - 50 days after sowing.

ii. Field preparation and planting

The field selected for planting should be ploughed thoroughly by using chisel

plough, disc plough and cultivator.

FYM @ 25 t/ha and 75 % of the total recommended dose of single super

phosphate (285kg). Azospirillum and Phosphobacteria 2 kg/ha and Pseudomonas

2.5 kg/ha along with FYM 50 kg and neem cake @100 kg is applied before last

ploughing.

Along with biofertilizers 50 kg each of Zinc Sulphate and Ferrous Sulphate is

applied before last ploughing.

Raised beds of 1.2 meter width and 1 foot depth are formed for transplanting.

Drip irrigation is done @ 8- 12 hours depending upon the soil condition to get

field capacity.

Transplanting is done in paired row system at the spacing of 15 cm between rows

(of 7 rows with in the bed) and 10cm between plants.

iii. After care

Drip irrigation is done @ 1-2 hours per day depending upon the soil and climatic

condition.

Weeding: First weeding is done on 30th day after transplanting and thereafter as

and when necessary.

Fertigation: For big onion, 60: 60:30 kg of NPK / ha is applied throughout the

cropping period. The splits are approximately once in every 3 days.

iv. Harvesting and post harvest management

The harvesting is done at 75 days to 160 days depending upon the varieties.

The irrigation is stopped 15 days before harvesting and sprayed with 500 ppm of

Maleic hydrazide. This will prevent sprouting of the bulbs in storage by which

they can be stored even for 6-7 months.

The correct time of harvest is one week after 50% top fell. After lifting the bulbs

the tops should be cured in shade for 10-15 days before storage to remove field

heat. Then proper sorting and grading is done.

AGGREGATUM ONION OR SMALL ONION

i. Preparatory cultivation

The main field is ploughed 4 times with Chisel and disc plough each one time and

cultivator twice.


75 % of the total recommended dose of super phosphate i.e. 285 kg/ha is applied

as basal dose.

Azospirillum and Phosphobacteria each @ 2 kg/ha along with FYM 50 kg and




ii. Planting design

Bulbs are planted in paired row system @ 1500 kg/ha. Planting is done in rows of

20 cm spacing and 12 cm between plants. Planting is done at 6 rows in each bed.

Irrigation is done after the transplanting or planting the bulbs. Complete wetting is

necessary to maintain uniform moisture level.

iii. After care

Irrigation is done daily @ 1-2 hour depending upon the soil and climatic

condition.

iv. Harvesting

After reaching the full maturity, depending upon the variety the crop is ready

from 75 to 160 days.

MH @ 500 ppm (500 mg / litre) is sprayed on 15 days before harvesting to avoid

sprouting of the bulbs in storage, so that the bulbs are stored for 6-7 months.

Onions are harvested one week after 50% top fall.

After lifting the bulbs the tops are cured in shade for 10-15 days before storage

and stored in well-ventilated room.

CABBAGE


Protected nursery




The sterilized cocopeat @ 720 kg/ha is mixed with 10 kg of neem cake and

Azospirillum and Phosphobacteria each @ 1kg. About 1.25 kg of the cocopeat

medium is filled in each tray.

Sowing

About 250 g of hybrid cabbage seed is required for the production of seedlings for

1 ha. The seeds are treated in hot water @ 50ºC for 30 minutes.


an hour. About 25 g of Azospirillum is required for the seed treatment of 250 g

cabbage seeds.

Sowing of cabbage seeds in protrays is done @ 1 seed per cell. The seeds are

covered with cocopeat and is kept one over the other (8-10 Nos.) and covered

with polythene sheet for 5 days or till germination starts.

After 5 days when the seeds are germinated the protrays are arranged on the

raised beds inside the shade net nursery.

Watering is done by rose can everyday (twice / day) upto seed germination.

Panchakavya spray @ 3% (30 ml/lit) is done at 15 days after sowing.

9:19:19 + MN @ 0.5 % (5 g/lit) solution are drenched using rose can or micro

nutrient spray of 0.5 % is done at 18 days after sowing.

The cabbage seedlings are ready for transplanting in 25 days

ii. Planting

The main field is ploughed 4 times using chisel and disc each at one time and

cultivator two times.


75 % of the total recommended dose of super phosphate i.e. 588.93 kg is applied

as basal dose.


Neem cake @ 100kg is applied before last ploughing.



Drip irrigation is done for 8 to 12 hours depending upon the soil moisture level

and soil type.

Pre-emergence weedicide spray of Fluchloralin @ 1 lit a.i./ha or Trifluralin 0.5

lit/ha through high volume sprayer is done just before transplanting. Ropes are

marked at the interval of 45 cm and planting is done at the spacing 45 x 45 cm in

the paired row system.


Cabbage for double yield


Fertigation requirement for cabbage F1 hybrid is 200: 125: 150 kg of NPK/ha is

applied once in every three days throughout the cropping period.


Carbofuron @ 33 kg/ha is applied at one week after transplanting to control

nematodes.

Foliar spraying with Pseudomonas fluorescens @ 0.5 % (5 g/lit) at 15 days

interval is done for 6 times.

Weeding is done on 30 DAP depending upon the weed growth.

Micro nutrient mixture @ 21 g/lit (0.1%) is sprayed at 40th, 60th and 80th DAP.

v. Harvesting and Post Harvest Management

Harvesting is done when the heads attain the full size and are firm.

The harvested heads are packed in the collapsible crates and are transported to

market without damage.

Uniform heads

CAULIFLOWER


Protected nursery




The sterilized cocopeat @ 720 kg/ha is mixed with 10 kg of neem cake and

Azospirillum and Phosphobacteria each @ 1kg.

Sowing

About 250 g of hybrid cauliflower seed is required for the production of seedlings

for 1 ha. The seeds are treated in hot water @ 50°C for 30 minutes.

The seeds are then treated with bio-control agent Pseudomonas f'uorescens @

10g/kg of seed.

The seeds are mixed with Azospirillum @ 100g/kg and are shade dried for half an

hour.

After 5 days when the seeds are germinated the protrays are arranged on the

raised beds inside the shade net nursery.

Watering is done by rose can everyday (twice / day) upto seed germination.

Panchakavya spray @ 3% (30 ml/lit) is done at 15 days after sowing.

19:19:19 + MN @ 0.5 % (5g/lit) solution are drenched using rose can or micro

nutrient spray of 0.5 % is done at 18 days after sowing.

The cauliflower seedlings are ready for transplanting in 25 days.

ii. Planting

The main field is ploughed 4 times using chisel and disc each at one time and

cultivator two times.

FYM @ 25t/ha is applied before the last ploughing.

75% of the total recommended dose of super phosphate i.e. 586 kg is applied as

basal dose.



Pseudomonas fluorescens @ 2.5 kg/ha along with 50 kg of FYM and applied




Drip irrigation at field capacity is done for 8 to 12 hours depending upon the soil

moisture level and soil type.

Pre-emergence weedicide spray of Fluchloralin @ 1 lit a.i./ha or Trifluralin

0.5 lit./ha through high volume sprayer is done just before transplanting. The soil

should be moist while spraying.

Ropes are marked at the interval of 45 cm and planting is done at the spacing of

60 x 45 x 45 cm in the paired row system.

40 days old seedlings are dipped in Pseudomonas fluorescens 0.5 % for

30 minutes and are transplanted in the main field.


45 days old seedlings


Fertigation requirement for cauliflower F1 hybrid is 200: 125: 125 kg of NPK/ha

is applied once in every three days throughout the cropping period.


Foliar spraying with Pseudomonas fluorescens 0.5 % at 15 days interval is done.

Weeding is done on 30 DAP depending upon the weed growth.

Micro nutrient mixture @ 250 g/ha (0.1 %) is sprayed at 40, 60 and 80 DAP.


Harvesting is done during morning or evening, when the curds attain the full size

and are firm.

The harvested curds are packed in the collapsible crates and are transported to

market without damage.

WATERMELON

i. Nursery preparation

Nursery for watermelon can be done either by polythene bags of 200 gauge, 10

cm diameter and 15 cm height size or through protrays under protected nursery.

In poly bag nursery, the bags are filled with 1:1:1 ratio of red soil, sand and

farmyard manure mixture and filled compactly.

The seeds are treated with Carbendazim 2g/kg of seeds and sowing can be done

by one seed per bag. A quantity of 3.5 kg of seeds would be required for one

hectare.

In protrays, each having 98 holes are used for raising seedlings. Well-

decomposed cocopeat is used as media. Dibble the seed in each hole @ one per

hole and keep the trays under shade net house for about 12 days. In the net house,

water the seedlings twice a day using rose can. About 12 days old seedlings are

transplanted in the main field.

ii. Field preparation

The land is ploughed thoroughly through chisel plough first followed by disc

plough and cultivators.

Farmyard manure @ 25 t/ha and 75 % of the phosphorous fertilizer (469 kg/ha)

is applied before last ploughing. Application of Pseudomonas fluorescens @

2.5 kg along with 50 kg of FYM is used as a bio control agent as well as growth

promoter.

Raised beds of 1.2 m width and 1 foot height are formed for sowing. Before

sowing irrigation is done to completely wetting the field by minimum 8 hours to

12 hours depending upon the soil condition.

iii. Direct sowing or Transplanting

Use of Biofertilizers: Azospirillum and Phosphobacteria 2 kg / ha and

Pseudomonas 2.5 kg/ha along with FYM 50 kg and neem cake @ 100 kg is

applied before last ploughing.

Sowing: For watermelon or muskmelon the seeds are sown @ spacing of 1.5 m x

60 cm.

Planting: Spread the lateral tubes in the centre of each bed. Irrigate the beds by

operating the drip system continuously for 8-12 hrs. Spray pre-emergence

weedicide (Pendimethalin @ 1kg a.i./ha) just before planting. Plant the seedlings

in the holes made at 60 cm distance.

iv. Fertigation

For watermelon / muskmelon a dose of 200: 100: 100 kg NPK/ha is applied

throughout the cropping period through split application.

At vegetative stage

v. Inter cultivation

Irrigation: Drip irrigation is given for one hour per day.

Thinning: Thin the seedlings @ 2 per hill, 15 days after sowing.

Weeding: A shallow hoeing is done 20 days after sowing and the plants are

earthed up

Hormone spraying: In watermelon, to increase the female flowering 250 ppm of

ethereal (2.5 ml/10 lit of water) is sprayed 15, 22, 29 & 36 days after sowing

Cushion for fruits: Provide paddy straw or dried grass cushions for each fruit to

avoid direct contact with soil.

vi. Harvest

In general, the fruits are harvested when they attains 5-8 kg fruit weight and good

shape and size.

A fully ripe fruit on thumping pressure gives a flat dead sound, while an unripe

fruit gives a metallic sound. When the fruit is ripe, the tendril nearest to fruit

becomes dry.

The yield ranges from 45 - 60 tonnes/ha and packed in uniform sized cardboard

boxes with label.

MUSKMELON

i. Nursery preparation

Nursery for muskmelon can be done either by polythene bags of 200 gauge, 10

cm diameter and 15 cm height size or through protrays under protected nursery.

In poly bag nursery, the bags are filled with 1:1:1 ratio of red soil, sand and

farmyard manure mixture and filled compactly.

The seeds are treated with Carbendazim 2g / kg of seeds and sowing can be done

by one seed per bag.

1000 - 1500g seeds are required to sow one hectare land depending upon the

varieties / hybrids.

In protrays, each having 98 holes is used for raising seedlings. Well-decomposed

cocopeat is used as media. The sterilized cocopeat @ 250 - 300 kg/ha is mixed

with 5 kg of neem cake along with Azospirillum and Phosphobacteria each @ 1

kg. Dibble the seed in each hole @ one per hole and keep the trays under shade

net house for about 12 days. In the net house, water the seedlings twice a day

using rose can. About 12 days old seedlings are transplanted in the main field.

ii. Sowing or Planting system and population maintenance


cultivator twice.



as basal dose.


Neem cake @ 100kg is applied before last ploughing.




Direct sowing or transplanting is done at a spacing of 1.5 m along the laterals and

30 cm interval in the raised bed single row system, using ropes marked at 30cm

spacing.

Gap filling is carried out within 7 days after sowing or transplanting.


For muskmelon F1 hybrid, a dose of 200:100:100 kg of NPK/ha is applied

throughout the cropping period through split application. 75 % of the phosphorous

is applied during last ploughing as a basal dose. The split dose is applied once in

every three days through fertigation.

Planted in raised beds

iv. Inter cultivation

Irrigation: Drip irrigation is given for one hour per day.

Weeding: A shallow hoeing is done 20 days after sowing and the plants are

earthed up

Two more hand weedings are done to encourage the growth.

Cushion for fruits: Provide paddy straw or dried grass cushions for each fruit to

avoid direct contact with soil. In addition to this close the fruits through the

ownleaves to avoid sun scorching.

During fruit maturation, 19-19-19 + MN 5g/litre of water followed by Potassium

sulphate @ 5 g/litre of water is sprayed to encourage the fruit maturation.

At flowering stage

v. Harvest

The fruits are harvested when they attains 2 kg fruit weight and good shape and

size

The cardboard boxes of 10 kg capacity is used for packing the fruits of 5-7 and

labeling is done with full information like variety or hybrid name, name of the

farmer, market address, harvest date, grade, weight of the fruit and boxes etc.

Packing in cardboard boxes

ASHGOURD AND PUMPKIN


Seed Rate: 1 kg seeds will be required to sow pumpkin in one hectare.

Seed treatment: The seeds are mixed with 500g of Azospirillum. The seeds are

shade dried for half an hour. The seeds are treated with Thiram 2 g/kg of seeds or

Carbendazirn 2 g/kg of seeds.

Nursery raising: In Hi-tech horticulture, the 12 days old healthy seedlings

obtained from shade net houses are used for planting. The seedlings are raised in

portrays having 98 holes. Well decomposed cocopeat is used as media. Only one

seed has to be sown per hole. Regular watering should be done twice in a day.

About 12 days old seedlings are transplanted to the main field.



plough, disc plough and cultivator. FYM @ 25 t/ha and 75 % of total

recommended dose of Single Super Phosphate (140 kg/ha) should be applied.

Use of biofertilizers: Azospirillum and Phosphobacteria 2 kg/ha and Pseudomonas

2.5 kg/ha along with FYM 50 kg and neem cake @ 100 kg is applied before last

ploughing.

iii. Fertigation

For Pumpkin, a dose of 60:30:30 kg NPK/ha is applied throughout the cropping

period through split application. In phosphorous, 75% of the phosphorous is

applied as super phosphate as basal dose.


Weeding: Weeding and hoeing are done 2-3 times once in 15 days.

Growth Regulators: Etherl is used to increase female flowers; the recommended

concentration is 250 ppm (2.5 ml etherel in 10 lt of water). The first spray has to be given

when there are two true leaves (15 days after sowing). This is repeated once in a week for

3 more times.

v. Harvest

Harvest starts from 85 – 90 days after sowing. Fully matured fruits have to be

harvested after the skin colour has turned completely brown from green colour and the

pedicel (Fruit stalk) separates from the vine. The yield varies from 20-30 t/ha.

Fruits ready for harvest

BITTER GOURD


Bitter gourd is a direct sown vegetable but polythene bag nursery is more

advantageous to get early marketing and to avoid more gap fitting.

Polythene bag nursery

A 200 gauge poly bags of 10cm diameter x 10cm height is used for sowing the

seeds

The seeds of 1.8 kg are required to cover one hectare and the seeds are mixed

with 500g of Azospirillum and are shade dried for half an hour.

The seeds are treated with Thiram @ 2 g / kg of seeds to avoid any pathogenic

attack

A potting mixture contains 1:1:1 ratio of topsoil, sand and well-decomposed farm

yard manure is used as media and sowing is done by only one seed per hole. Then

the poly bags are kept under shade net house or partial shade for about 15 days.

Regular watering should be done twice in a day. About 15 days old seedlings are

transplanted to the main field.

ii. Field Preparation


plough (once), disc plough (once) and cultivator four times.

FYM @ 25 t/ha and 75 % of total recommended dose of (470 kg/ha) Single Super

Phosphate is broadcasted before last ploughing.

Azospirillum and Phosphobacteria 2 kg/ha and Pseudomonas 2.5 kg/ha along with

FYM 50 kg and neem cake @100 kg is applied before last ploughing.

Form the raised beds of 4 feet width (120 cm) at rate of 1m heights is formed

along the laterals.

Spread the lateral tubes in the centre of each bed. Irrigation is done in the beds by

operating the drip system continuously for 8 - 12 hrs.

Spray pre emergent weedicide of Pendimethalin @1 kg a.i./ha just before

planting.

Planting or sowing is done at the holes made at 2m distances.

iii. Fertigation

For Bitter gourd, a dose of 200:100:100 kg NPK/ha is applied throughout the

cropping period through split application.

Fertigation is done once in every third day from date of sowing or transplanting.


Staking: is necessary to layout a horizontal spreading surface by providing

eucalyptus poles, casuarinas poles or bamboo stakes along with wire ropes so that

the vine can be spread eventually.

A pandal or single line staking system is normally followed. The seedlings when

starts producing tendrils should be staked with poles using banana fibre or threads

so as to enable them to reach panda1.

Under pandal system

Weeding is carried out at 2-3 times depending upon the weed growth. The

earthing up is done to form the beds by 2-foot width and 1 foot height so as to

facilitate easy drainage and anchorage to the growing vine.

Growth Regulators spray of Etheral 250 ppm (2.5 ml in 10 lit of water) is done

four times from15th day after sowing at weekly intervals.

Micronutrients spray is done @ 1 g per litre of water from 30th, 45th and 60th days

after sowing.

v. Harvest

Harvesting is done from 45-50th day after transplanting or 60 - 65 days after

sowing and harvest is done before the seeds are matured.

Harvesting is continued once in 5-7 days and a total number of 8-10 harvests can

be made. Average yield of 10- 15 tonnes is recorded depending upon the varieties

or hybrids.

BOTTLE GOURD


o The field selected for planting is free from clots and brought into fine tilth using

chisel plough (once), disc plough (once) and cultivator (four times).

o FYM @ 25 t/ha, 75 % of total recommended dose of Single Super Phosphate

(470 kg/ha), Azospirillum and Phosphobacteria each @ 2 kg/ha, Pseudomonas 2.5

kg/ha along with FYM 50 kg and neem cake @ 100 kg is applied before last

ploughing.

o Four foot width broad beds at 1 foot height are formed along the laterals using

broad bed former.

ii. Seed treatment

o A quantity of 3 kg seeds is required to sow one hectare.

o The seeds are mixed with 500g of Azospirillum and the seeds are shade dried for

half an hour.

o The seeds are treated with Thiram 2g/kg of seeds or Carbendazim 2g/kg of seeds.

iii. Nursery raising

o In Hi-tech horticulture the bottle gourd is planted by its 15 days old healthy

seedlings raised in shade net houses. The seedlings are raised in protrays havjng

98 holes or in polythene bags.

o Well-decomposed cocopeat is used as media. Dibble the seed in each hole @ one

per hole and keep the trays under shadenet house for about 15 days. In polythene

bags pot mixture is used as a growing medium. Regular watering should be done

twice in a day. About 15 days old seedlings are transplanted to the main field.

iv. Planting or Direct sowing

o The lateral tubes are spread in the centre of each bed and irrigate the beds by

operating the drip system continuously for 8-12 hrs.

o Spray pre emergence weedicide (Pendimethalin @ 1kg a.i./ha just before

planting). Planting the seedlings or sowing is done in the holes made at 60 cm

distance.

v. Fertigation

o For Bottle gourd, a dose of 200:100:100 kg NPK/ha is applied throughout the

cropping period through split application.

o Fertigation is done for every third day after transplanting or direct sowing.

vi. Inter cultivation

o Weeding and hoeing is done 2-3 times once in 15 days.

o Staking is done during rainy season to avoid rotting of fruits and is used to avoid

direct conduct of fruits with soil.

vii. Harvest

o Harvesting is made when the fruits attain sufficient size.

o It starts from 50th day after sowing to 120 days depending upon the varieties or

hybrids.

o The average yield is 25-30 t/ha.

Tender fruits

RIBBED GOURD



plough (once), disc plough (once) and cultivator (four times).

FYM @ 25 t/ha and 75 % of total recommended dose of single super phosphate

(470 kg) is applied during last ploughing.



Pseudomonas fluresence @ 2.5 kg/ha is applied during last ploughing.

ii. Sowing

A quantity of 1.5 - 2 kg of seeds is required to sow one hectare.

The seeds are mixed with 500g of Azospirillum and are shade dried for half an

hour. The seeds are treated with thiram 2g/kg of seed to protect from the diseases.

The pits of the size 45 X 45 X 45 cm can be dug at spacing of 2m in row spaced

at 1.5 m


FYM 50 kg and neem cake @ 100 kg is applied before last ploughing.

Sowing: Five seeds are sown in each pit. After germination of seeds, 3 healthy

seedlings are left and two seedlings are removed. Instead of direct sowing, the

seeds can be sown in poly bags @ 1 seed / bag and 15 days after germination.

They can be planted @ 2 seedlings per pit.

iii. Fertigation

For ribbed gourd, a dose of 250: 100: 100 kg NPK/ha is applied throughout the

cropping period through fertigation tank.

The fertilizers are applied once in three days.


Irrigation: is done 1 - 2 hours per day through drips depending upon the climate

and soil condition.

Staking: is necessary to layout a horizontal spreading surface by providing

bamboo stakes or cross wire so that the vine can be spread. The seedling when

start-producing tendrils should be staked with thin bamboo poles using banana

fibre so as to enable them to reach pandal.

Weeding and hoeing are done 2-3 times once in 15 days.

Ethrel @ 250 ppm (2.5 ml in 10 litres of water) is sprayed when the seedlings are

in two true leaf stage. This is repeated once in a week continuously for 3 times.

v. Harvest

Harvesting of ribbed gourd is carried out from 55 - 60 days after sowing and is

continued once in 5-7 days and a total of 8.10 harvests are done.

Grading is done by separating the disease affected and misshaped fruits. The

fruits are packed in the crates and transported to the market.

Harvested gourds

GHERKIN



cultivator twice.



as basal dose.





ii. Sowing

The field is completely wetted through drip irrigation for 8-12 hours depending

upon the soil condition.

Sowing is done at a spacing of 22.5 cm distance at the centre of the beds along the

laterals.

iii. Fertigation

The recommended dose of fertilizers in gherkin is 150:75:100 kg of NPK/ ha and

is applied every third day after sowing starting from 3rd day.

75% of the phosphorous fertilizer is applied as a straight fertilizer during last

ploughing.


Irrigation is done through drips @ 1 - 2 hours a day depending upon the soil

moisture level.

Weeding is done on 15th days after sowing followed by 30th and again at 45th days

after sowing.

Staking is done through bamboo or eucalyptus or casuarinas or areca poles and

tied the vines through thick jute threads.

During summer, picking is done during early morning or late evening to avoid sun

scorching

Staking with casuarinas poles

v. Harvest

First harvest is done between 30th and 35th days after sowing.

Harvesting is done every day since, the grading is very important and price is

fixed only by the grade of the fruit.

The smallest sized fruit fetches the highest price while the biggest one gets lowest

price.

Harvested fruits are collected under shade on a clean surface or plastic sheet.

The fruits are cleaned by separation of fruit stalk and flower heads.

The fruits are sending immediately after harvest to the processing unit to avoid

the poor quality fruits.

Grade code Grade (No. of fruits/kg) All fruits between Biggest fruit Smallest fruit

1 250+ 4.0 g - 2 150 / 250 6.6 g 4.0 g 3 120 / 150 8.3 g 6.6 g 4 80 / 120 12.5 g 8.3 g

SNAKE GOURD

i. Seed Rate: A quantity of 1.5 - 2 kg seeds is required to sow one hectare.

ii. Seed treatment: The seeds are mixed with 500g of Azospirillum. The seeds are shade

dried for half an hour. The seeds are treated with Thiram 2g/kg of seeds.

iii. Nursery raising: The snake gourd seeds are sown in protrays containing well

decomposed cocopeat medium. Only one seed has to be sown per hole. Then the trays

kept under shade house. Regular watering should be done with the help of rose can.

About 12 days old seedlings are transplanted to main field.

iv. Field preparation: The field selected for planting should be ploughed thoroughly by

using chisel plough, disc plough and cultivator. FYM @ 25 t/ha and 75 % of total

recommended Single Super Phosphate (470 kg/ha) should be applied.

v. Use of biofertilizers: Azospirillum and Phosphobacteria 2 kg/ha and Pseudomonas 2.5

kg/ha along with FYM 50 kg and neem cake @ 100 kg is applied before last ploughing.

vi. Planting: The lateral tubes spread on the raised beds with a size of 4 ft wide at 5 ft

distance. Then irrigate the beds by operating the drip system continuously for 8-12 hrs.

Plant the seedlings in the holes made at 60 cm distance.

vii. Fertigation: For snake gourd a dose of 75:100:100 kg NPK/ha is applied throughout

the cropping period through split application.

viii. Inter cultivation:

Staking: It is necessary to lay out a horizontal spreading surface by providing bamboo

stakes and cross wire so that the vine can be spread evenly. The seedlings when starts

producing tendrils should be staked with bamboo poles and banana fibre so as to enable

them to reach pandal.

Weeding: Weeding and hoeing should be done 2-3 times. When the vines covered the

full pandal weed growth is arrested and not necessary for weeding.

Growth Regulators: Spray Etherel 100 ppm (1 ml in 10 lit of water) four times from 10

to 15 days after sowing at weekly intervals.

ix. Harvest: Snake Gourd comes to harvest from 60-75 days and it can be continued once

in 5 - 7 days and a total number of 8 - 10 harvest can be made. Grading is done by

separating the pest and disease affected fruits and misshapen fruits. The fruits are packed

in the crates and transported to the market.

CUCUMBER



cultivator twice.



as basal dose.



Raised beds of 120 cm width (4 feet) are formed at an interval of 30cm (1 feet)


ii. Sowing

About 2 kg of seeds would be required to sow 1 hectare.

Seed treatment: The seeds are mixed with 500 g of Azospirillum and are shade

dried for half an hour. Before sowing, the seeds have to be treated with 4 g of

Thiram.

The beds are wetted through drip irrigation for 8 - 12 hours depending upon the

moisture level in the soil.

The seeds are sown at the interval of 60 cm distance at the centre of the bed along

the laterals.

The seeds are sown in polybags @ one seed per bag to be used for gap filling at

the day of germination.

Pre emergence weedicide spray of Fluchloralin 1 kg a.i. or Metalachlor 0.75 kg

a.i./ha on third day of sowing.

iii. Fertigation

For cucumber F1 hybrid, 150:75:75 kg NPK/ha is applied throughout the cropping

period. In this ratio, 75% of the phosphorous is applied as a basal dose.

The fertilizers are applied once in every third days.


Weeding: and hoeing is done twice or thrice at fortnightly intervals depending on

the weed growth. Earth up is done after weeding at 30th and 45th days of sowing.

Etherel @ 2.5 ml/10 litres of water for 4 times at weekly interval from 15th day

after sowing can be done to increase female flower production.

v. Harvest

Harvesting can be done from 45 days after sowing.

The tender fruits are harvested on 8th - 10th day after flowering and it can be done

once in 5 - 7 days.

About 8 - 10 harvests can be made and the yield of tender fruits is 8-10 tonnes/ha

from 80 - 90 days.

Harvesting of tender fruits For sorting and grading

FRENCH BEANS



cultivator twice.



as basal dose.

Rhizobium and phosphobacteria 2 kg/ha and Pseudomonas 2.5 kg/ha along with




ii. Sowing

The beds are wetted through drip irrigation for 8-12 hours depending upon the

soil moisture level.

Pre-sowing application of Basalin @ 2 lit/ha is done to avoid the weed problem

for 20 -25 days.

In bush types, the seeds are sown in the paired row raised bed system at the 30 x

30 x 15 cm in the hills while in plains the seeds are sown in 30 x 30 x 45 cm

In pole types, the seeds are sown in the paired row raised bed system at the

spacing of 120 x 30 x 20 cm.

For bush types a quantity of 85 kg of seeds are required to sow one hectare while

in pole types 30 - 40 kg of seeds are required.

The seeds are treated with Rhizobium culture using jaggery or rice kanji as an

adhesive to form a coating of the bacterial culture on the seed surface.

iii. Fertigation

For French beans 135:135:135 kg NPK/ha is applied throughout the crop period.

75% of the phosphorous is applied in the form of straight fertilizer as a basal dose.

The fertigation is done once in every third days.


Irrigation: is given @ hour per day through drip irrigation.

Weeding is done at 30th day after sowing and again at 45th and 60th day depending

upon the weed growth. Immediately after every weeding earth up is done.

Staking is done at 20th day of sowing. Each row of planting is staked separately

with poles.

v. Harvest

The green pods are harvested when they are tender and fleshy before the

formation of fibre.

For dry beans, the fully matured seeds are harvested by removing the entire plant

and threshing the pods after drying.

The yield of tender pods per hectare is 9 - 10 tonnes in bush type and 12 - 15

tonnes in pole types.

The grain yield varies from 1.5 - 2.0 tonnes per hectare.

Pole beans Bush beans

BEETROOT



cultivator twice.



as basal dose.

Rhizobium and phosphobacteria 2 kg/ha and Pseudomonas 2.5 kg/ha along with


Raised beds of 120 cm width (4 feet) are formed at an interval of 30cm (1feet)


ii. Sowing

Sowing is done in paired rows at the spacing of 30 x 30 x 10 cm as four rows in

each paired row in raised bed system.

The seeds of 6 kg are required to sow in one hectare.

Immediately after sowing the beds are completely wetted through drip irrigation

for 8 - 12 hours depending upon the soil condition.

iii. Fertigation

A dose of 120:160:100 kg/ha is applied through fertigation.

75% of the dose of phosphorous is applied as straight fertilizer (single super

phosphate) as basal dose.


Irrigation is done through drip system for 1 - 2 hours depending upon the soil

moisture level.

Weeding and hoeing is done at early stage of the crop at 15th days after sowing

and then earth up to cover the swollen roots.

Thinning is done twice to maintain the plants at desired spacing. And filling is

done to maintain optimum plant population.

v. Harvest

Harvesting is done from 70 to 120 days depending upon the varieties.

Harvesting is done by uprooting the entire plants and the tops are removed after

washing.

The yield of roots is about 25 - 30 t/ha.

Beetroot

RADISH



cultivator twice.



as basal dose.





ii. Sowing

Sowing is done in raised beds at the spacing of 30 x 15 x 10 cm in paired row

system. A total of 10 rows is accommodated in one bed.

About 10 kg of seed is required to sow one hectare.

After sowing the seeds, the beds are completely wetted through drip system for

8 -12 hours depending upon the soil moisture condition.

iii. Fertigation

In radish a dose of 50:100:50 kgof NPK/ha is applied through fertigation.

The application is done once in every third day from date of sowing in between

the fertigation time.


Weeding is done by hoeing at early stage i.e. 15th days after sowing of the crop

and earth upto cover the developing roots.

Removing the excess plants and fill the gaps if any to maintain optimum plant

populations does thinning.

v. Harvest

The roots will attain the harvestable maturity in about 7 weeks after sowing.

The entire plant is uprooted, the tops are removed and after washing, the roots are

graded according to the size and marketed.

TAPIOCA

i. Preparation of planting material

The setts are prepared from the middle portion of fully matured plants free from

cassava mosaic disease.

Each sett should have 8 - 10 nodes and 15 cm long.

While cutting the setts there should not be any mechanical damage and the cut

end should be uniform.

The setts are dipped in Carbendazim 1g in one lit of water for 15 minutes before

planting. About 20,000 setts are required for one hectare.

The basal ends of the setts is dipped in a solution of Azospirillum culture and

Phosphobacteria culture each @ 30 g per lit of water for 20 minutes.

For rainfed conditions, the setts are treated with a mixture of Potassium chloride

@ 5 g per lit and micronutrients viz., ZnSo4 and FeSo4 each @ 0.5 % for 20

minutes.



cultivator twice.

FYM @ 25 t/ha is applied before the last ploughing along with 75 %

recommended dose of super phosphate @ 422 kg/ha.

Pseudomonas flourescens @ 2.5 kg/ha is applied before the last ploughing.

Azospirillum and Phosphobacteria each @ 2.5 kg/ha along with 50 kg of farmyard

manure and 100 kg of neem cake is broadcasted before last ploughing.

The field is irrigated at field capacity level @ 8 - 12 hours depending upon the

soil and climatic condition

Pre emergent weedicide of Pendimethalin @ 1 kg a.i./ha is applied just before

planting

Planting is done in each raised bed in the paired row system at spacing of 60 cm

(between rows) x 90 cm (between setts in each row) in the alternate method. The

gap filling is done within 20 days of planting.

iii. Fertigation

For tapioca, a dose of 90:90:240/ha is applied through out the cropping period as

split application. Irrigate the field through drip system daily for one hour.

iv. Inter Cultivation

Weeding: First weeding is carried out at 30 DAP. Subsequent weeding should be

done at regular interval depending upon the weed growth.

Thinning is done by leaving two shoots per plant at 60 DAP.

Micronutrient spray of 1 % FeSO4 + 0.5 % ZnSO4 at 60 and 90 DAP is applied.

v. Harvest

Yellowing of leaves, dropping of 50% of leaves, cracking of soil around base of

the plant are the maturity indices. Irrigation is done on the previous day of harvest

and dug out the tubers without any damage. The stems are stored under the shade

and used as a planting material.

Tapioca

POTATO

i. Seed tuber selection and tuber treatment

Potatoes are normally grown from tubers. Seed tubers from disease free field or

locality are collected.

A tuber with at least one eye viz., adventitious bud, or small whole tuber is used

as planting materials.

After cutting the seed tuber is cured by storing 10°C to 15°C and 85 -95 %

relative humidity for 4 -6 days to allow the suberization and wound periderm

formation, which avoids the entry of bacteria from soil.

The seed tubers are treated with 25 ppm GA3 for one hour and dried in the shade.

After drying, the tubers are filled in gunny bags and kept in vertical position in

well-ventilated dark room for 10 days so as to encourage sprouting.

Before planting the tubers are dipped in stable bleaching powder solution.

ii. Planting system and population maintenance


cultivator twice.








The beds are wetted with drip irrigation for 8 - 12 hours depending upon the soil

condition.

About 1500 to 2000 kg of seed tuber is required for one hectare.

The seed tubers are planted at a spacing of 60 x 30 x 20 cm in a paired row raised

bed-planting system.

Gap filling is done within a week.


For potato, 120: 240: 120 kg NPK/ha is applied throughout the cropping period in

every once in three days interval.

75% of the phosphorous in the recommendation is applied as super phosphate as a

basal dose.


A pre- emergence weedicide such as Linuran @ 0.5 kg/ha in 900 litres of water,

or Nifen 2 l/ha in 900 litres of water is sprayed just after planting and immediately

the field is irrigated.

Twenty to twenty-five days after planting, the stolens arise from the lower nodes.

These stolens bend downwards and enter into the soil and at their tips tuberisation

starts 35 days after planting.

This is the stage when the plants are to be earthed up. Immediately after earthing

up, the field has to be irrigated. The earthing prevents greening effect of sunrays

on exposed tuber which actually affects market quality of tubers.

It also prevents frost damage to tubers. The second earthing up is given 30 days

after first earthing up.

Drip irrigation is given just after planting to keep optimum soil moisture. Further

drip irrigation is given everyday @ 1 hour per day depending upon the soil type

and climate.

Crop at vegetative stage

v. Harvesting and post harvest management

Irrigation is withheld 15 - 20 days ahead of the normal harvest date and haulms

are removed. It facilitates prolonged storage life through skin hardening of tubers.

Tubers are dug out 20 days after the haulms removal and heaped under shade.

Then the tubers are sorted out by removal of cut, bruised and pest and disease

attacked tubers.

The tubers are graded according to size such as big, medium, small and miniature

sized.

Crop at tuber development stage

TURMERIC



cultivator twice.



as basal dose.

Azosp;rillum and Phosphobacteria each @ 2 kg/ha along with FYM 50 kg and




The beds are wetted for 8 - 12 hours through drip irrigation depending upon the

soil moisture level.

ii. Rhizome treatment and planting

Mother rhizome of about 2000 kg of rhizomes is required for 1 ha

The rhizomes are treated with 10 kg each of Azospirillum and Phosphobacteria.

The rhizomes are treated with Carbendazim for 30 min before planting.

The treated rhizomes are planted in the raised beds in three rows spaced at 45 cm.

The spacing between plants within the row is 15 cm.

iii. Fertigation

Fertigation is done for the recommended dose of 150:60:108/ha of NPK and is

applied through out the cropping period at once in three days.

75% of the recommended dose of phosphorous (281 kg/ha) is applied as basal

dose.


Weeding is done at 30 days after planting and then whenever necessary.

The raised beds are earthed up twice on 60th and 120th DAP.

Micronutrients of 375 g each FeS04, Zn S04, borax and urea dissolved in 250 lit of

water. Spraying is done twice at 60 and 90 DAP.

Healthy crop

v. Harvesting

Lodging of plants, yellowing and drying of leaves are the signs of maturity.

The rhizomes are pulled out without any damage and stored the seed rhizome in

sand media under partial shade.

Harvested rhizomes

CORIANDER

i. Seed rate and treatment

10 kg of seeds is required to sow one hectare and the seeds are split into two

before sowing.

The seeds are treated with Azospirillum @ 1.5 kg/ha and shade dry for an hour

Seed treatment with Trichoderma viride @ 4 g / kg of seed is done to control wilt

disease.

ii. Field preparation and sowing

The main field is ploughed 4 times with Chisel and disc plough each one time

and cultivator twice.



as basal dose.

Azospjrillum and Phosphobacteria each @ 2 kg/ ha along with FYM 50 kg and


Raised beds of 120 cm width and 30 cm height are formed through broad bed

former.



Sowing is done in lines of 15 cm spacing in the raised beds. Hence 8 lines are

formed in one single bed.

The beds are wetted after sowing, through drip irrigation system for 8-12 hours

depending upon the soil moisture level.

The seeds are germinated 8-12 days after sowing.

Immediately after the observation of gaps, gap filling is done to maintain the

population.

iii. Fertigation

A dose of 60:40:60 kg of NPK/ha is applied through fertigation.

75% of the Phosphorous is applied as basal dose during last ploughing.

Fertigation is done in once in three days.


Weeding is done once on 20th day after sowing.

Thinning is done on 30 days after sowing.

v. Harvesting

First harvest of leaves is done on 20 – 25 days after sowing followed by 30th and

45th days after sowing.

The plants are pulled from the soil adhering soil pesticides is cleaned with using

water and packed in gunny bags.

Coriander

BANANA

Banana grows well in well-drained loamy soils and the best season differs with

varieties and places e.g. the best season of planting is,

Wet lands: Feb -April: Poovan, Rasthali, Monthan, Karpooravalli and Neypoovan

April - May: Nendran and November -December

Garden lands: January -February and November- December

Padugai lands: January - February and August - September.

Hill Banana: Lower palani hills - April- May

Sirumalai - June – August

i. Selection of planting material

The sword suckers of 1.5 - 2.0 kg weight are selected for planting.

The suckers are selected only from the mother plots free from diseases,

nematodes and other pests

In tissue culture plants, of 45 days old, well hardened and virus indexed plants

with 5 -6 leaves are selected.

Tissue culture planting materials

ii. Sucker treatment

The pseudo-stem is cut leaving 20 cm from the corm

The roots and superficial damaged portion of the corm is trimmed.

The corms are dipped for 5 min in carbendazim 0.1% (1g/lit) to avoid any

diseases.

Pralinage is done with 40 g of Carbofuran 3G granules per sucker (Dip the corm

in slurry solution of 4 parts clay plus 5 parts water and sprinkle Carbofuran to

control nematodes).

Alternatively, the corms are dipped with 0.75% Monocrotophos and shade dried

for at least 24 hrs and plant and then planting is done.

iii. Main field preparation and planting

Ploughing is done at four times using chisel plough (one time), disc plough (one

time) and cultivator (three times).

The raised beds are formed at 60 cm width along the lateral lines.

The pits of 45 cm3 size is dig out along the raised bed at 1.8 m intervals.

The pits are filled with top soil mixed with 10 kg FYM, 250 g Neem cake, 20 g

Furadon, and 220 g super phosphate.

Azospirillum and Phosphobacteria each at 20 g per pit is applied during planting

and at 5th month after planting.

At the time of planting 25 g of Pseudomonas fluorescence is applied in each pit.

Pre emergence weedicide of Fluchloralin @ 2 lit per ha is sprayed through high

volume sprayer.

Spacing and No. of Plants:

Dwarf Cavendish, G9, Robusta - 5' x 7'; Others - 5' x 8'

A total of nearly 3000 plants are accommodated in one hectare.

Planting is done at the centre of the pit cover the pit with top soil and pressed

gently.

Sowing of Sun hemp on 45th day after planting and incorporated it after about a

month. This operation reduces nematode build up.

iv. Fertigation

For banana, a dose of 200:300 g of NK/plant is applied throughout the cropping

period through split application and phosphorus alone is applied as basal dose at the time

of planting. The split doses of N & K are applied once in every three days through

fertigation. Water requirement - 25 lit per plant (normal density); 40 lit per plant (2

suckers / pit); 50 lit per pit (3 suckers/pit).

100 per cent crop stand

v. Intercultivation

Spade digging and earthing up of plants are done after applying 20 g of Furadan +

½ kg Pungam oil cake at 3 MAP.

Spade digging followed by earthing up is done at 4, 6 and 8 months after planting.

Desuckering and removal of diseased and dried leaves should be done for 6 times

(based on sucker growth).

Apply 20 g furadon at 4th month after planting.

Spray zinc sulphate (0.5%), ferrous sulphate (0.2%), copper sulphate (0.2%) and

borax (0.1%) at 3, 5 and 7th month after planting.

Remove male bud - one week after opening of last hand.

Propping - one month after shoot emergence.

Intercropping: Inter crops like onion, leafy coriander, beetroot; tomato (variety

only) can be grown. Inter cropping should be completed within 90 days of

planting of banana. Nematode repelling species like Sun hemp or marigold can be

grown and incorporated with soil at maximum vegetative stage.

Propping for support

Post shooting nutrient spray: Urea 1% and potassium sulphate 1.5% is sprayed

after last hand opening and again sprayed at once after a month.

Bunch cover: The fruit bunches are covered with ventilated (4%) polythene

sleeves (200 x 150 cm), within 15 days of last hand opening.

Uniform bunch bearing

vi. Harvest

The fruit bunches are harvested when the angularity of fruits disappears.

Duration and bunch weight:

Cavendish - 12 months - 25 to 30 kg

Ney poovan - 11 months - 12 kg

Rasthali - 13 months - 12 kg

For fruit ripening, the fruit bunches are sprayed with ethrel 5000 ppm (5ml/lit)

with sodium hydroxide pellets.

Harvested bunches

ROSE

Rose prefers fertile, well-drained sandy loam or clay loam soils with a pH of 6.0 -

7.5 and grown well in sunny, open and protected by hedge, fence or building against

strong winds. It is quite away from shade or from the under ground roots of trees.

i. Planting material preparation

The common rootstock used in rose are Rosa bourboriana, R. multiflora and

R. indica odorata.

Roses are commonly propagated by 'T' or shield budding on the rootstock.

The best time for budding is from November to February and after union of buds,

budding starts growing. The upper portion of rootstock is cut into installments to

separate the plants.

High success can be obtained by treating the cuttings and with 1000 ppm of IBA

so that in one year plants are ready for planting.

ii. Field preparation and Planting

The field selected for planting roses is ploughed thoroughly by using chisel

plough, disc plough and cultivator.

FYM @ 25 t/ha and 75 % of total recommended dose of single super phosphate is

applied as basal dose. ,


FYM 50 kg and neem cake @ 100 kg is mixed and applied before last ploughing.

The raised beds are formed at the width of 4 feet to the height of 1 foot and the

laterals are placed at the centre of the beds.

Before planting, the beds are watered using drip system for 8 - 12 hours

depending upon the soil moisture condition.

Before planting weedicide spray of Glyphosate is applied @ 8 ml/l in the

completely wetted moist soil by using high volume sprayer.

Planting is done at a spacing of 90 X 60 X 45 cm in the paired row system.

Gap filling is done at one month after planting.

iii. Fertigation technique

For rose a dose of 178: 178:356 kg of NPK/ha/year applied through out the year

as split application through fertigation tank.


Pruning: lt is the most important and technical aspect of rose growing. The best

time of pruning is the period when the activity of rose plant is the least and plant

is dormant to near dormant stage. Cut back the vigorous past season shoots to half

the length. Remove all the weak, diseased, criss-cross and unproductive shoots.

Protect the cut ends with Bordeaux mixture + carbaryl as a paste.

Disbudding: Remove the side branches, which arise from auxillary buds to get

blooms of better size.

Feed the rose plants with 100g of neem cake and 100g of bone meal per plant

during 3rd month after planting. Repeat the above feeding once in 3 months.

Weeding is done on 30th and 60th day after planting depending upon the weed

growth.

v. Harvesting and post harvest management

Flowers are harvested in the early morning at tight bud stage.

20 flowers per bunch packed in corrugated board sheet.

Precooling is done for 4 hours at 6 -8°C.

Storage at 2-5°C

Roses at tight bud stage

CHRYSANTHEMUM

i. Planting material preparation

Planting season: February - March.

Chrysanthemum is mostly propagated through terminal cuttings and root suckers.

10 – 15 bags of root suckers are required to plant 1 ha.

Sucker treatment: The suckers are treated with 0.3% captan or 0.2%

brassicol to avoid rotting.

For easy rooting, root suckers are dipped in seradix 1 or 25 ppm NAA.

ii. Field preparation and Planting

The field is ploughed thoroughly by using chisel plough, disc plough and

cultivator.

FYM @ 25 t/ha and 75 % of total recommended dose of single super phosphate is



FYM 50 kg and neem cake @ 100 kg is mixed and applied before last ploughing.

The raised beds are formed at the width of 4 feet to the height of 1 foot and the

laterals are placed at the centre of the beds.

Before planting, the beds are watered using drip system for 8 - 12 hours

depending upon the soil moisture condition.

Two root suckers with a length of 15 cm is planted in one hill at the interval of

30 cm and planting is done at two rows with in the bed with spacing of 90 x 60 x

30 cm in the paired row system.

iii. Fertigation

Recommended dose of 125:120:25 kg NPK/ha was applied throughout the

cropping period as per the fertigation schedule.

iv. After care

Weeding is done thrice depends upon the weed growth earthing up is done along

with weeding.

Pinching and disbudding

To encourage more number of branches, pinching is done.

Disbudding is done to obtain the quality flowers

v. Harvest

Fully opened flowers are picked in late hours of the day when dew has dried up.

Soon after harvest, flowers are packed in baskets.

Chrysanthemum

MARIGOLD

i. Nursery raising

Portray nursery is essential as the seeds of F1 hybrids are more costly. In order to

raise nursery for dwarf hybrids, a total number of 800 protrays are required. Treat the

seeds with capton @ 3 g/kg of seeds. For dwarf hybrids 75,000 seeds are required/ha and

for tall hybrids about 55,000 seeds are required. Fill the Protrays with coir compost @

1.25 kg/tray. Sow the seeds @ a single seed per hole.

Stake the protrays one above other for 3 days and cover with polythene sheet.

Spread the trays on 4th day on the raised beds under the shade net house (50 %

shade net on the roof of 50 mesh insect proof nylon net on four sides)

Regularly water the seedlings twice in a day using a rose can.

Drench the seedlings with 19: 19: 19 (5g/l) on 15th day (if needed) + COC (2g/l).

Transplant the seedlings at 25th days after sowing.

ii. Main field preparation

Plough the main field with cheisel plough, disc plough each one tie followed by

cultivator twice. Apply FYM @ 25 t/ha and 75 % of recommended dose of super

phosphate as basal dose. Apply Azospirillum and phosphobacteria each 2 kg/ha along

with FYM 50 kg + neem cake 100 kg/ha. From the raised beds using bed former at a

width of 2 feet and leave 1 feet for furrow spacing in between the beds.

iii. Spacing and population

For straw yellow hybrids - 3 rows per bed (45 X 30 cm) - 74,000 plants/ha

For golden yellow orange - paired row system (60 X 30 cm) - 55,000

plants/ha

For varieties - paired row system - (60 X 30 cm) - 55,000 plants/ha

iv. Transplanting

First wetting is done by continuously pouching the drip system for 8-12

hrs.

Spray pre emergence herbicide (Stomp) @ 3 l/ha just before planting.

Transplant 25 days old seedlings at the above mentioned spray.

Fill the gaps if any within a week

v. Fertigation

For African marigold, a dose of 90:90:75 kg NPK/ha is applied throughout the

cropping period in split application.

vi. Inter cultivation

Weeding is done on 30th and 60th days after planting

vii. Harvest

Pick the flowers once in three days starting from 60 days after planting

Dwarf hybrid

Harvest in plastic bags

CHINA ASTER

i. Soil and climate

It comes well in well-drained loamy soil and cooler climate.

ii. Propagation

It is propagated through seeds.

Seed rate: 2 -3 kg/ha

iii. Main field preparation

The main field is ploughed by using chisel and disc plough and cultivator.


75 % of the total recommended dose of super phosphate is applied as basal dose

(950kg)

Raised beds of 120 cm width are formed at an interval of 30 cm and the 4 laterals

are placed at the centre of each bed.

iv. Seed sowing

The seeds are sown directly on the raised beds.

From the lines of 2 cm depth by using small sticks at 15 cm distances along the

length of the bed (7 lines per bed).

Sow the seed in the lines and gently close the lines by sand and cow dung

mixture.

v. Population

Every bed would consist 7 rows of aster at the spacing of 15 cm.

The excess plants ate thinned out so that the spacing between the plants with in a

row is 15 cm.

vi. Fertigation

For aster, a dose of 100:200:200 kg NPK/ha is applied through the cropping

period in split application as per the schedule given in annexure.

Irrigate the field every day for one hour through drip system.

vii. Intercultivation

Weeding is done on 30thand 60thday after planting.

Pinching of main shoot at one month after planting for enhancing side shoots.

At flowering stage increase the duration of irrigation for enhancing uniform

opening of flowers (for 1-5 hrs every day as against one hour for early phases of

crop growth).

viii. Harvesting and post harvest management

For cut flowers, the flowers are harvested along with the main stem.

For loose flowers, individual flowers are harvested with stalk.

Al2 (So4) at 0.2 % + sucrose 0.2 % increases the vase life upto 8 days.

Aster at blooming stage

GOLDEN ROD

i. Propagation method

It is propagated through suckers.

ii. Sucker treatment

To avoid rotting the sucker are treated with 0.3 % Captan or 0.2 % Brasicol.

For early rooting, root suckers are dipped in saradix-1 powder or 25 ppm of NAA.

iii. Planting

Two root suckers with a length of 10-15 cm is planted in one hill.

The suckers are planted directly on the raised beds at 15 cm between the rows. In

a single bed, 7 rows of plants are maintained.

Plant to plant spacing is 15 cm.

Two months after planting the crop would cover the entire land.

Field full of golden rod

iv. Fertigation

For golden rod a dose of 150:175:150 kg NPK/ha is applied through the cropping

period in split application.

Irrigate the field every day for one hour through drip irrigation.

v. Inter cultivation

Weeding is done on 15th and 45th day after planting.

Application of GA3 25 ppm once in 15 days interval for 3 times after 30 day after

planting for enhancing the flowering and increase the length of flower stalk

vi. Harvesting

1st harvest is made after 120th day after planting and continued at weekly intervals

on whenever it is required. This practice is repeated for 2 years.

Bunch for sale

Documents

Precision Farming Projects